"Samantha Cinderella Scott" Poetry Theater

A poem in three voices

Summary:A doctor tries to convince his patient that a shot won’t hurt.

Presentation Suggestions: Have the students read or perform the poem in front of the class. Have the students act out the different lines while they read them.

Props: An empty syringe, a doctor’s lab coat, and a desk used as an examining table would be great props. If these items are not available the poem can be performed without them.

Delivery: The lines of the poem need to be read with poetic rhythm. For more information on poetic rhythm and how to perform poetry in classroom, please read the Performing Poetry section under the Teacher’s Resources.

Characters:Narrator
Doctor
Samantha Cinderella Scott

Samantha Cinderella Scott

Narrator:

Samantha Cinderella Scott
was told she’d have to have a shot.
The doctor said,

Doctor:

“You’re somewhat sick;
I think a shot should do the trick.”

Narrator:

He said,

Doctor:

“You shouldn’t feel a thing,
except perhaps a tiny sting,
a painless prick, a poke, a pinch.
It shouldn’t even make you flinch.

“You won’t begin to bleat or bawl.
I doubt that it will hurt at all.
I don’t expect to see it bruise
or swell your arm and start to ooze.

“There’s little chance of bellyaches
or fevers, chills, or sudden shakes.
It’s not supposed to cause a cough.
Your arm will likely not fall off.

“I’m guessing that there won’t be lots
of itchy red and purple spots.
Convulsions, too, are fairly rare.
I think you’ll get to keep your hair.

“In fact, the chance is nearly nil
that you’ll become intensely ill
or grow a ghastly greenish hue
or turn into a kangaroo.

“It’s nearly certain that you’ll not
become a fish or flowerpot.
I’m quite convinced it’s fair to say
you won’t turn into mush today.

“But if you start to shake and cough
or if your head should tumble off,
if you become a moose or mule,
you’ll get a day away from school.”

Narrator:

Samantha Cinderella Scott
took just a moment, deep in thought,
then yawned the slightest little yawn
and told the doctor,

Permission is given for individual school classes to perform this play and to make as many copies of the play as are needed for the students' use. All other reproduction and performance is prohibited under penalty of law. For use of this play outside individual classes, please contact info@meadowbrookpress.com for permission.